H-E-B has announced the statewide winners for the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during a ceremony May 4 at the Marriott Marquis Houston.
H-E-B awarded $480,000 in cash and grants to six teachers, two counselors, two principals, one early childhood facility, one public school board and two school districts. Since 2002, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program has awarded almost $15 million in funding to educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and their communities.
Star-studded keynote
Emmy, Critics Choice and Independent Spirit Award winner Sheryl Lee Ralph delivered the keynote address to hundreds of educators and community leaders.
Ralph can currently be seen starring on ABC’s hit comedy series Abbott Elementary, where she plays veteran kindergarten teacher Barbara Howard. Her message set the tone for the evening as H-E-B recognized the outstanding educators whose work reflects that same commitment, care and impact in classrooms across Texas.
Winell Herron, H-E-B’s SVP of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs, said the program shines a light on the educators shaping the future of the state.
“In every corner of Texas, educators are guiding students through a rapidly changing world while helping them build confidence, curiosity and a sense of possibility,” Herron said.
“At a time when the role of public education is more important than ever, we are proud to recognize these exceptional leaders who are strengthening not only their classrooms, but their communities and the future of our state.”
Teacher awards
Six winning teachers, including one elementary and one secondary teacher, were selected in each of three categories.
The Rising Star Award honors promising teachers with less than 10 years of experience. Winners received a $5,000 check for themselves and a $5,000 grant for their schools. The 2026 Rising Star winners are Carolina De Anda of Carmen Anaya Elementary School in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD and Heather Rodriguez of North Shore Senior High School in Galena Park ISD.
The Leadership Award honors teachers with 10-20 years in the classroom. Winners received a $10,000 check for themselves and a $10,000 grant for their schools. The 2026 Leadership winners are Megan Vasquez of Herman Becker Elementary School in Austin ISD and Claudia Cortez of Gladys Porter Early College High School in Brownsville ISD.
The Lifetime Achievement Award salutes teachers with more than 20 years of experience. These teachers received $25,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools. The 2026 Lifetime Achievement winners are Alasin DeVeny of Joslin Elementary School in Austin ISD and Kevin Korpi of New Braunfels High School in New Braunfels ISD.
Counselor and principal awards
Two counselors – one elementary and one secondary – received $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $15,000 grant for their school.
The elementary school counselor winner is Amanda Still of Charles A. Tosch Elementary School in Mesquite ISD. The secondary school counselor winner is Kristen Guerra of Pieper High School in Comal ISD.
Two principals – one elementary and one secondary – received $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.
The elementary school principal winner is Michelle Gonzalez of C.M. Macdonell Elementary School in Laredo ISD. The secondary school principal winner is Ruth Peña of Charles H. Milby High School in Houston ISD.
Early childhood and school board awards
One winning early childhood facility received $25,000 — Menchaca Early Childhood Center in Southside ISD, San Antonio.
One winning school board received $25,000 — Corpus Christi Independent School District.
School district awards
Two school districts — one small and one large — received awards. The winning small school district received $50,000, and the winning large school district received $100,000.
Alice Independent School District was named the winning small school district. Garland Independent School District was named the winning large school district.
How the judging process works
Each year, H-E-B announces a statewide call for nominations and applications to recognize outstanding educators in Texas. Educators can be nominated for an award by community members throughout the state, or they can apply directly. Nominees are sent invitations to complete an online application.
For the 2026 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, students in the Department of Education from Texas State University and Trinity University reviewed all applications and narrowed them down to semi-finalists. Five regional judging panels including school administrators, community leaders and former winners selected 50 teacher, principal and counselor finalists.
These individuals received the news they were finalists from H-E-B representatives during surprise visits to their schools earlier this year. A statewide panel of judges interviewed these finalists on May 2 to determine winners.
Three separate judging panels selected five early childhood facilities, five school boards and eight school district finalists. Site visits were conducted to determine the winners in these categories.
Looking ahead to 2027
Nominations for the 2027 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards are now open to all state-certified public school professionals currently working in Texas. Teachers, counselors, principals, early childhood centers, school boards and districts can win cash prizes for their outstanding work. Nominations will close on Sept. 30, 2026.
About The Program
Each year, the H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards program awards cash prizes to honor outstanding public school professionals and to thank them for their dedication and commitment.
Since the program’s inception in 2002, H-E-B has awarded almost $15 million in funding to outstanding Texas teachers, counselors, principals, public schools, early childhood centers, school boards and school districts. A longtime supporter of public education, H-E-B donates more than $12 million each year to Texas education initiatives.
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